Improving Your Game: Free Throw Shooting

Poster child of missed free throws.

The free throw is probably the easiest shot in the game of basketball. You have plenty of time to prepare yourself, and no one is guarding you. Yet, plenty of NBA players just can't seem to put the ball in the rim when they get the opportunity. Here are some pointers if you're having some foul shot woes.

Relax

Just relax and take your time. Most players miss their free throws because they have the tendency to rush their shot. No one is urging you to hurry up, especially your teammates. Catch your breath, clear your mind, and prepare for the shot. Just remember, they're free. Relax.

Form

Free throws are all about form. If you watch some of the worst free throw shooters of all time, most of them have a technical flaw in their form. It all comes back to fundamentals! Here are some things to look for:

• Bend your knees - Bending your knees will give you a lift in your shot. Not doing this will most likely make your shot flat.
• Square up - Squaring up will give you a straight look at the basket.
• Follow through - This one is the most important. Look at the best free throw shooters in the game. They follow through so their shot can arc as best as possible.

Setting Up A Routine

Free throws are all about consistency. It's like waking up in the morning. Usually you have a set routine to do things, and 90% of the time it usually works. That's how you should view free throw shooting. Most NBA players have a routine, no matter how silly or wacky. If the routine works for you, use it! Just make sure you're not doing the routine to showboat, since that will break your concentration.

Some examples of free throw routines. Side note: Does anybody know what Karl Malone is saying?

Concentrate!

For a few seconds, take time to clear your mind. Forget the noise. Forget the jeers. Forget the situation in the game. No matter if it's the last free throws to win the game, or you're just practicing in the gym, a clear mind is the best way to knock down the shot. Extra thoughts in your head will just complicate things.

PRACTICE!

As the old saying goes, "practice makes perfect." Hitting the gym, working on your form, and setting up your routine will greatly increase your chances of hitting those free throws. Your teammates will thank you for it later!

Need more pointers on your shooting? Why don't you check out our other tutorial on improving your jump shot! You can find it here : Improving Your Game: The Jump Shot